Track having a backing plate with a plurality of slots and electrical contacts adjacent to each other

ABSTRACT

A modular equipment mount to enable quick relocation of the piece of equipment. The piece of equipment is secured to a mount. A track system is secured to multiple locations where the piece of equipment may be secured. Power and data connections are included with the track system to provide power and data to the piece of equipment through connectors on the mount.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/763,853 filed Feb. 11, 2013, the entire disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification generally relates to mounting systems forequipment and devices.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a track may include a backing plate with a number ofslots substantially parallel to each other and disposed upon the backingplate. Each slot includes a plurality of open regions and a plurality ofnecked down regions connecting the plurality of open regions. The trackmay also include a plurality of electrical contacts disposed along thebacking plate and adjacent to at least one of the plurality of slots andat least one of the plurality of electrical contacts are electricallycoupled to a power source or data source.

In another embodiment, a mount may include a mounting plate with a backsurface and a front surface. The mount may also include at least onemounting stud coupled to the back surface of the mounting plate, whereeach mounting stud includes a stem portion that extends outwardly fromthe back surface and an enlarged head portion disposed at a distal endof respective stem portions. The mount may also include a plurality ofequipment mounting locations disposed through the mounting plate tosecure a piece of equipment to the mount to the front surface and atleast one electrical connector secured to the mounting plate andelectrically coupled to the piece of equipment. The mount may alsoinclude a release mechanism including a locking pin disposed through themounting plate and extending outwardly from the back surface and atleast one locking pin released operatively connected to the locking pin.

In yet another embodiment an equipment mounting apparatus may includethe track with a backing plate with a number of slots substantiallyparallel to each other and disposed upon the backing plate. Each slotincludes a plurality of open regions and a plurality of necked downregions connecting the plurality of open regions. The track may alsoinclude a plurality of electrical contacts disposed along the backingplate and adjacent to at least one of the plurality of slots and atleast one of the plurality of electrical contacts are electricallycoupled to a power source or data source. The equipment mount may alsoinclude a mount including a mounting plate with a back surface and afront surface. The mount may also include at least one mounting studcoupled to the back surface of the mounting plate, where each mountingstud includes a stem portion that extends outwardly from the backsurface and an enlarged head portion disposed at a distal end ofrespective stem portions. The mount may also include a plurality ofequipment mounting locations disposed through the mounting plate tosecure a piece of equipment to the mount to the front surface and atleast one electrical connector secured to the mounting plate andelectrically coupled to the piece of equipment. The mount may alsoinclude a release mechanism including a locking pin disposed through themounting plate and extending outwardly from the back surface and atleast one locking pin released operatively connected to the locking pin.The plurality of electrical contacts electrically couple with the atleast one electrical connector to provide power or data to the piece ofequipment when the mount is secured to the track.

These and additional features provided by the embodiments describedherein will be more fully understood in view of the following detaileddescription, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplaryin nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by theclaims. The following detailed description of the illustrativeembodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with thefollowing drawings, where like structure is indicated with likereference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a track for use in an electrifiedequipment mounting system according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the track according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the track with a plurality of electricalcontacts according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mount attached to a piece of equipmentaccording to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the interaction between the track of FIG. 1 andthe mount of FIG. 3 according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the mount and track locked together accordingto one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 8 depicts the piece of equipment attached to the track using amount according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of an electrical adaptor according toone or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 10 illustrates the electrical adaptor attached to the track andelectrically coupled to the mount according to one or more embodimentsshown and described herein;

FIG. 11 illustrates a second embodiment of the electrical adaptoraccording to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 12 depicts the second embodiment of the electrical adaptor attachedto the track and electrically coupled to the mount according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 13 is a front view a fixed position plate;

FIG. 14 depicts a front view of the track with a plurality of targetopen regions and non-target open regions;

FIG. 15 depicts a front view of the track 10 with a plurality of lockholes; and

FIG. 16 depicts a front of the track 10 without a center slot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following text sets forth a broad description of numerous differentembodiments of the present disclosure. The description is to beconstrued as illustrative only and does not describe every possibleembodiment since describing every possible embodiment would beimpractical, if not impossible, and it will be understood that anyfeature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product,step or methodology described herein can be deleted, combined with orsubstituted for, in whole or part, any other feature, characteristic,component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodologydescribed herein. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented,using either current technology or technology developed after the filingdate of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of theclaims. All publications and patents cited herein are incorporatedherein by reference.

No term is intended to be essential to the present invention unless sostated. To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end ofthis patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with asingle meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to notconfuse the reader, and it is not intended that such a claim term belimited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning

Referring now to FIG. 1, a front view of a track 10 for use in anelectrified equipment mounting system or similar track system isillustrated. While multiple tracks can be used, only one track 10 willbe described as multiple tracks of the same track system may have thesame or substantially the same features. Furthermore the size, shape,and/or configuration of the track 10 can vary depending on the size of asurface for installation and the equipment to be mounted to the track10. The track 10 includes a backing plate 15 that may have an elongated,rectangular shape (or any other suitable shape) and a plurality ofslots. In some embodiments, the plurality of slots may be three slots; aleft slot 20, a center slot 25, and a right slot 30 that are disposedalong the backing plate, extend at any length along the backing plate15, and are adjacent to at least one of the plurality of slots. In otherwords, the plurality of slots are substantially parallel to each other.Each slot 20, 25 and 30 may have a plurality of open regions 35 that areadjacent to a plurality of necked-down regions 40. In some embodiments,the open regions 35 are symmetrical such that they are spacedequidistant apart and are aligned in widthwise rows along the length ofthe backing plate 15. As another example, the open regions 35 of one ormore of the slots 20, 25 and 30 may not all be equidistant and/or maynot be aligned in rows with the other open regions of the other slots.

The track 10 may have a plurality of electrical contacts 45 electricallycoupled to a power supply (not shown) and/or a data source or datasources (not shown). The plurality of electrical contacts 45 may besubstantially parallel to the plurality of slots and may extend at anylength along the backing plate 15. In some embodiments, the plurality ofelectrical contacts may be electrically conductive strips or a pluralityof pads 281 as shown in FIG. 13. The plurality of electrical contacts 45may all be electrically coupled to the power source or they all may beelectrically coupled to the data source or data sources. Alternatively,the plurality of electrical contacts 45 may have a subset of electricalcontacts that are electrically coupled to a power source and aco-existing subset of electrical contacts that are electrically coupledto a data source or data sources. Although the electrical contacts 45are shown as substantially parallel to the plurality of slots 20, 25,and 30, it is understood that other configurations are possible such as,for example, non-parallel orientations, plug-type contacts, etc.

In FIG. 2, a side view of the track 10 is illustrated. The plurality ofelectrical contacts 45 and the t-shape of the three slots (left slot 20,center slot 25, and the right slot 30) are shown. In some embodiments,the plurality of electrical contacts 45 may be surface mounted and notembedded as shown in FIG. 2. For example the plurality of electricalcontacts 45 may be extruded on or formed onto the track 10. Theplurality of electrical contacts 45 may have a cover 50 to insulate theplurality of electrical contacts 45. The cover 50 may be removablyattached to the track 10. The cover 50 may be cut to insulate only thatportion of the plurality of electrical contacts 45 that are exposed toinadvertent contact. In some embodiments, the track 10 may include aplurality of wire raceways 60 that are used to manage and protectelectrical conductors.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the track 10 with the plurality ofelectrical contacts 45. The plurality of wire raceways 60 may run thelength of the track 10 or they may be cut short or have cut-outs toallow at least one wire or an electrical conductor 175 (FIG. 9) to exitthe wire raceway 60. In some embodiments, a plurality of raceway accesspoints 65 may be disposed in at least one of the plurality of slots toallow an electrical conductor 175 to pass through the backing plate 15and into one of the wire raceways 60. A non-limited example is shown inFIG. 3 where raceway access points 65 are located in the center slot 25.For example, the raceway access points 65 may also be located in any ofthe three slots to include the left slot 20 and/or the right slot 30.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mount 70 attached to a piece ofequipment 75. The mount 70 has a mounting plate 80, a back surface 85, afront surface 90, and at least one mounting stud 95. For example, the atleast one mounting stud 95 may be four mounting studs 95 a, 95 b, 95 c,and 95 d. The mount 70 may be operable to be removably connected and/orattached to the track 10 as shown in FIG. 1 or a fixed position plate250 (FIG. 13). Each mounting stud 95 a-d includes a respective stemportion 100 a-d that extends outwardly from the back surface 85 and arespective enlarged head portion 105 a-d disposed at a distal end ofrespective stem portions 100 a-d. A release mechanism (not shown) with alocking pin 110, and at least one locking pin release may be used toprevent the mount 70 from moving once secured to the track 10 or fixedposition plate 250. For example, at least one locking pin release may bea right locking pin release 115 and a left locking pin release 120. Thelocking pin 110 may be disposed through the mounting plate 80, extendingoutwardly from the back surface, and may be biased (e.g., by a spring,resilient material, or other biasing means) outward towards an extendedlock position for engaging the center slot 25 of the track 10 or thecorresponding locking pin opening (not shown, part of the fixed positionplate). It should be understood that the locking pin 110 may be locatedon the mount 70 to engage the right slot 30 or the left slot 25 of thetrack 10. The locking pin 110 may be retracted using either individuallyor in combination the right locking pin release 115 or the left lockingpin release 120 which is operatively connected to the released mechanism(not shown). It should be understood that both locking pin releasescould be oriented in any direction in order to avoid any obstructions,yet still allow the release of the mount 70 from the track 10 or thefixed position plate. Furthermore, in some embodiments, two or morerelease levers may need to be actuated in order to release the mountingplate 80 of the mount 70. Such an embodiment may provide for additionalsecurity by preventing unwanted movement of the mounting plate 80 whenone of the locking pin releases 115 or 120 is accidentally actuated. Thefront surface 90 may have any device and/or piece of equipment 75attached to it. In a non-limiting example, a plurality of equipmentmounting locations 150 are shown around the locking pin 110 and may beused to secure the piece of equipment 75 to the mount 70. The pluralityof equipment mounting locations 150 may be in any configuration to allowany piece of equipment 75 to be secured to the mount 70.

The mount 70 may have at least one electrical connector secured to themounting plate 80. In some embodiments, the electrical connector is atleast one terminal mount 140 disposed on the back surface 85. Aplurality of electrical wipers 145 are coupled to the terminal mount 140and they may be electrically coupled to the piece of equipment 75attached to the mount 70. In some embodiments, there are an equal amountof electrical wipers 145 as electrical contacts 45 on the track 10. Inanother embodiment, the electrical wipers may be pads that matedlycouple with the pads of the plurality of electrical contacts 45 of thetrack 10.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the track 10 and the mount 70 provide anout-of-phase configuration that is used to lock the mount 70 to thetrack 10. Referring to FIG. 5, when the enlarged head portions 105 a,105 b, 105 c and 105 d of the mounting studs 95 a, 95 b, 95 c and 95 dof the mount 70 are inserted within the plurality of open regions 35 a,35 b, 35 c and 35 d of the left slot 20 and the right slot 30respectively. The locking pin 110 is prevented from entering the centerslot 25 due to its alignment with the necked-down region 40 e. In someembodiments, placing the enlarged head portions 105 a, 105 b, 105 c and105 d in the left slot 20 and the right slot 30 respectively, causes thelocking pin 110 to retract from its outwardly biased, extended position.

Referring to FIG. 6, the stem portions 100 (not shown) of the mountingstuds 95 a, 95 b, 95 c and 95 d are sized to slide through thenecked-down region 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, and 40 d respectively while theenlarged head portions 105 a, 105 b, 105 c and 105 d remain in the leftslot 20 and the right slot 30 respectively. Movement of the mount 70downwardly in the direction of arrow 125 aligns the enlarged headportions 105 a, 105 b, 105 c and 105 d with necked-down regions 40 a, 40b, 40 c, and 40 d of the left slot 20 and the right slot 30 respectivelyand aligns the locking pin 110 with the enlarged head opening 105 e ofthe center slot 25. The width of the locking pin 110 may be greater thanthe upper passageway 130 and the lower passageway 135 through thenecked-down regions 40 e and 40 f adjacent the enlarged head opening 105e, which prevents further movement of the mount 70 once the locking pin110 passes through the enlarged head opening 105 e and into the centerslot 25. In embodiments where the locking pin 110 is biased toward itsextended position, the locking pin 110 may snap into its extendedposition automatically once the locking pin 110 is aligned with theenlarged head opening 105 e. An operator can retract the locking pin 110out of the center slot 25 by actuating any of the locking pin releases115 and/or 120 described above and again move the mount 70 along thetrack 10 to a different elevation.

While FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a mount 70 being secured to the track 10using four mounting studs 95 a, 95 b, 95 c and 95 d and one locking pin110, it should be appreciated that any other number of mounting studsand locking pins may alternatively be employed. Such an embodiment mayallow for a secured connection under increased loads by providing morepoints of contact between the mount 70 and the track 10. In anotherembodiment, the mount 70 may incorporate eight mounting studs 95 evenlydistributed about the mounting plate 80. In yet another embodiment, anyother number of mounting studs 95 may be disposed on the mounting plate80 that allows for a releasable connection with the track 10. Theenlarged head portions 105 are sized to be received through theplurality of open regions 35 of the slots 20, 25 and 30 and may becaptured behind necked-down regions 40, while the stem portions 100 aresized to pass by the necked-down regions 40 of the slots 20, 25, and 30.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the mount 70 and track 10 locked together asdescribed in FIGS. 5 and 6. The plurality of mounting studs 95 attachedto the mount 70 are locked into the three slots, 20, 25, and 30 of thetrack 10. A plurality of equipment fasteners 155 may be used to securethe piece of equipment 75 to the mounting plate 80 of the mount 70 viathe plurality of equipment mounting locations 150. The terminal mount140 may be biased outwardly away from the back surface 85. The biasingforce ensures that the plurality of electrical wipers 145 areelectrically coupled to the plurality of electrical contacts 45. Asshown, for example, the number of electrical wipers 145 equals thenumber of electrical contacts 45. The plurality of electrical wipers mayhave a subset of electrical wipers electrically coupled to a powersource and a co-existing subset of electrical wipers that areelectrically coupled to a data source or data sources.

FIG. 8 depicts the piece of equipment 75 attached to the track 10 usinga mount 70. The covers 50 are shown insulating the plurality ofelectrical contacts 45 (FIG. 1) around the piece of equipment 75resulting in only the plurality of electrical wipers 145 beingelectrically coupled to the plurality of electrical contacts.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of an electrical adaptor 160. Theelectrical adaptor 160 may be used to electrically couple the piece ofequipment 75 (FIG. 4) to a power source or a data source. A connectorplate 165 serves as a base for the at least one mounting stud 95 and alocking mechanism 180. The at least one mounting stud 95 may be securedto the first side 161 of the connector plate 165. The locking mechanism180 may be coupled to the second side 163 of the connector plate 165.The locking mechanism 180 has a handle 185 that is operatively coupledto an adaptor locking pin 205 (FIG. 11). The adaptor locking pin 205 maybe disposed through the connector plate 165 and extends outwardly fromthe first side 161. The locking mechanism 180 secures the electricaladaptor 160 to the track 10 or the fixed position plate 250 (FIG. 11).The handle 185 is shown in the seated position in FIG. 9. When thehandle 185 is in the seated position, the adaptor locking pin 205 is ina locked position or an extended position, i.e., the adaptor locking pin205 extends outwardly from the first side 161. When the handle 185 ismoved to the unseated position, it moves the adaptor locking pin 205 toan unlocked position or a retracted position, i.e., the adaptor lockingpin 205 is flush with the first side 161. When the handle 185 is movedfrom the unseated to the seated position, the adaptor locking pin 205moves from the unlocked position (or retracted position) to the lockedposition (or extended position). In alternative embodiments, the handle185 and/or the adaptor locking pin 205 may be biased to the seatedposition and/or the locked position as set forth above using a biasingmember, including but not limited to one or more springs, resilientmaterials, combinations thereof, etc. As an example, the handle 185 maycompress a spring to provide the biasing force needed to extend orretract the adaptor locking pin. In other embodiments, the handle 185may actuate a cam (not shown) that extends or retracts the adaptorlocking pin.

The electrical conductor 175 electrically couples with a plurality ofsecond electrical terminals 170. The plurality of second electricalterminals 170 may be mounted on the connector plate 165. In someembodiments, the plurality of second electrical terminals may be locatedon a front face 190 of the electrical adaptor 160 in a second terminalhousing 195. In some embodiments, the plurality of second electricalterminals 170 may protrude from the front face 190 when the handle 185is in the seated position and be recessed when the handle 185 is in theunseated position.

FIG. 10 illustrates the electrical adaptor 160 attached to the track 10and electrically coupled to the mount 70. The electrical connector maybe a first terminal housing 200 coupled to the front surface 90 whichincludes a plurality of first electrical terminals (not shown). Theplurality of first electrical terminals and the plurality of secondelectrical terminals 170 align and electrically couple when theelectrical adaptor 160 is placed on the track 10 and the handle 185 isin the seated position. For example, the first terminal housing 200 andthe second terminal housing 195 are aligned when secured to the track10. It should be understood that the mount 70 is already locked intoplace but the disclosure is not limited to the mount 70 being placed onthe track 10 first. The plurality of first electrical terminals and theplurality of second electrical terminals electrically couple the powersource and/or data source or data sources to the piece of equipment 75.Alternatively, the plurality of first electrical terminals and theplurality of second electrical terminals each may have a subset ofelectrical terminals electrically coupled to a power source and aco-existing subset of electrical terminals that are electrically coupledto a data source or data sources. In some embodiments, the plurality offirst electrical terminals and the plurality of second electricalterminals may be a set of male and female plugs or they may be a set ofelectrically conductive rings or pads.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the electrical adaptor 160where the electrical conductor 175 uses the center slot 25 of the track10 as shown in FIG. 1 as a raceway to manage and secure the electricalconductor 175. The electrical conductor 175 protrudes from the firstside 161 of the connector plate 165. It should be understood that theelectrical conductor 175 may protrude from the first side 161 in anylocation to allow the use of any of the three slots 20, 25, or 30 as araceway. There may also be more than one electrical conductor 175protruding from the first face 161. The adaptor locking pin 205 is shownprotruding from the first side 161 in the locked position or an extendedposition as described in FIG. 9. The adaptor locking pin 205 serves asimilar function to the locking pin 110 of the mount 70 as shown in FIG.4. The electrical conductor 175 electrically couples with the pluralityof second electrical terminals 170.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the electrical adaptor 160 with the electricalconductor 175 using the center slot 25 as a raceway is shown. Comparingthis figure to FIG. 10, the electrical conductor 175 is managed andsecured with the center slot 25 or alternatively the electricalconductor 175 may enter one of the plurality of raceway access points 65(FIG. 3) and use the plurality of wire raceways 60 to manage and securethe electrical conductor 175. The plurality of first electricalterminals and the plurality of second electrical terminals electricallycouple a power source and/or data source to the piece of equipment 75.When the electrical adaptor 160 is placed on the track 10 such that thefirst terminal housing 200 and the second terminal housing 195 arealigned and the handle 185 is in the seated position, the plurality offirst electrical terminals and the plurality of second electricalterminals 170 align and electrically couple together. In someembodiments, the plurality of first electrical terminals and theplurality of second electrical terminals may be a set of male and femaleplugs or they may be a set of electrically conductive rings or pads.

FIG. 13 is a front view a fixed position plate 250, as an alternative tothe track 10. The fixed position plate 250 may be removably couple orattach to a mount 70 of FIG. 4 or the electrical adaptor 160 of FIG. 9.The fixed position plate 250 may include any suitable mounting structureor fastening device for securing it to a surface. Fastening devicesinclude but are not limited to screws, bolts, rivets, nails, adhesive,Velcro, weld, epoxy, or any similar devices that mechanically joins oraffixes two or more objects together. Mounting structure includes but isnot limited to a dove tail, hook and slot, tongue and groove, slideablecoupled members, pin and slot, or any similar devices. In thisillustrative embodiment, the fixed position plate 250 incorporates fourmounting holes 255 a-d, to secure the fixed position plate 250 to thesurface. The fixed position plate 250 also includes slots in the form ofkeyhole slots 260, 265, 270, and 275, each with an enlarged head opening280 and a necked-down portion 285. The enlarged head opening 280 of thekeyhole slots 260, 265, 270, and 275 are sized and arranged to receivethe enlarged head portions 105 a, 105 b, 105 c, and 105 d, of FIG. 4therethrough and the necked-down portions 285 are sized to allow thestem portions 100 of FIG. 4 to slide therein with the enlarged headportions 105 a, 105 b, 105 c, and 105 d, captured within the necked-downportions 285. A locking pin opening 290 may be provided that is sized toreceive the locking pin 110 of FIG. 4 when the locking pin 110 isaligned with the locking pin opening 290.

FIG. 14 depicts the track 10 with a plurality of target open regions 300and non-target open regions 305. The left slot 20 and the right slot 30may include the target open regions 300 to accommodate the mounting stud95 of FIG. 4 or similar studs. In some embodiments, the target openregions 300 allow the mount 70 with a piece of equipment attached to itto slideably couple with the track 10 without the need for line of sightalignment of the mounting studs 95 with the open regions 35 of FIG. 1.The target open region 300 are larger in diameter and/or size than thenon-target open regions 305, which allows for more variability in theorientation of the mount 70 to the track 10 and still enables thecorrect engagement between the track 10 and the mount 70. The targetopen regions 300 would not change the alignment of the terminal mount140 to the plurality of electrical contacts 45. In alternativeembodiments (not shown), the track 10 may not include the non-targetopen regions 305. It may include only a certain number of the targetopen regions 300 along tracks 20 and 30 and a neck down region runningbetween the certain number of target open regions 300.

FIG. 15 depicts the track 10 with a plurality of lock holes 310. Thecenter slot 25 as shown in FIG. 14 may be replaced with the plurality oflock holes 310 to allow the locking pin 110 of FIG. 4 to slideablycouple an individual lock hole 310 to secure the mount 70 to the track10. In some embodiments, the left slot 20 and the right slot 30 may havethe plurality of target open regions 300, and non-target open regions305 but they are not required. The alignment of the terminal mount 140to the plurality of electrical contacts 45 would not change.

FIG. 16 depicts the track 10 without a center slot 25 as shown in FIG.14. The left slot 20 and the right slot 30 may have the plurality oftarget regions 300 and the non-target open regions 305 but they are notrequired. A flat surface 315 allows for the locking pin 110 of FIG. 4 toapply a biasing force to an even surface to create an interference fitbetween the mounting studs 95 and the necked-down regions 40 of the leftslot 20 and the right slot 30. The biasing force exerts a force toseparate the mount 70 from the track 10. The interference fit orfriction fit, is a fastening device that fastens two parts by frictionafter the parts are pushed together. The alignment of the terminal mount140 to the plurality of electrical contacts 45 would not change.

It should be understood that the application is not limited to thedetails or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated inthe figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is forthe purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”,“upper”, and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to whichreference is made. The terminology includes the words noted above aswell as derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilizedherein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may beattributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or otherrepresentation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent thedegree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a statedreference without resulting in a change in the basic function of thesubject matter at issue.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein,it should be understood that various other changes and modifications maybe made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimedsubject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimedsubject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not beutilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appendedclaims cover all such changes and modifications that are within thescope of the claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A track comprising a backing plate, a pluralityof slots, and a plurality of electrical contacts, wherein: the pluralityof slots are positioned along the backing plate and are substantiallyparallel to each other; each slot of the plurality of slots comprises aplurality of open regions, and a plurality of necked down regionsconnecting the plurality of open regions; the plurality of electricalcontacts are positioned along the backing plate and are adjacent to atleast one of the plurality of slots; and at least one of the pluralityof electrical contacts are electrically coupled to a power source ordata source.
 2. The track of claim 1, wherein the backing plate includesa plurality of wire raceways.
 3. The track of claim 2, furthercomprising a plurality of raceway access points disposed in theplurality of slots to allow an electrical conductor to pass through thebacking plate and into at least one of the plurality of wire raceways.4. The track of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrical contactsare copper, aluminum, silver, or gold.
 5. The track of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of electrical contacts are chosen from strips or pads. 6.The track of claim 1, further comprising a cover removably coupled tothe track to insulate the plurality of electrical contacts.
 7. The trackof claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts has a subset ofelectrical contacts electrically coupled to the power source and aco-existing subset of electrical contacts that are electrically coupledto the data source or data sources.
 8. The track of claim 1 wherein theplurality of electrical contacts are positioned along the surface of thebacking plate.
 9. The track of claim 1 wherein the plurality ofelectrical contacts are embedded in the backing plate.
 10. The track ofclaim 1 wherein: the plurality of slots are keyhole slots; and the trackfurther comprises a locking pin opening.
 11. The track of claim 1wherein the plurality of open regions comprise a plurality of targetopen regions, the plurality of target open regions are larger indiameter than the plurality of open regions.
 12. The track of claim 11wherein at least one of the plurality of slots comprise a plurality oflock holes.
 13. An track mounting system with electrical contactscomprising an track and an mount, wherein: the track comprises a backingplate, a plurality of slots, and a plurality of electrical contacts,wherein: the plurality of slots are positioned along the backing plateand are substantially parallel to each other, each slot of the pluralityof slots comprises a plurality of open regions, and a plurality ofnecked down regions connecting the plurality of open regions, theplurality of electrical contacts are positioned along the backing plateand are adjacent to at least one of the plurality of slots, and at leastone of the plurality of electrical contacts are electrically coupled toa power source or data source; the mount comprises: a mounting platewith a back surface and a front surface; at least one mounting studcoupled to the back surface of the mounting plate, each mounting studincludes a stem portion that extends outwardly from the back surface andan enlarged head portion disposed at a distal end of respective stemportions, a plurality of equipment mounting locations disposed throughthe mounting plate to secure a piece of equipment to the mount to thefront surface, at least one terminal mount disposed on the back surfaceand electrically coupled to the piece of equipment and furthercomprising a plurality of electrical wipers coupled to the at least oneterminal mount, each electrical wiper is electrically coupled to thepiece of equipment, and a release mechanism comprising: a locking pindisposed through the mounting plate and extending outwardly from theback surface, and at least one locking pin release operatively connectedto the locking pin; and at least one of the plurality of electricalcontacts electrically couple with at least one of the plurality ofelectrical wipers to provide power or data to the piece of equipmentwhen the mount is secured to the track.
 14. The equipment mountingapparatus of claim 13, wherein the plurality of electrical wipers has asubset of electrical wipers electrically coupled to a power source and aco-existing subset of electrical wipers that are electrically coupled toa data source or data sources.